At
the time of writing, more than 10,000 people are dead or missing, with 400,000 more
living in shelters. More than 500 aftershocks have been confirmed in eastern
Japan since the initial earthquake.

The
ongoing problems with the nuclear reactors in Fukushima have caused power
shortages and rolling blackouts throughout Tokyo, its suburbs and the northeast
of Japan.

Even
though it has now been a week since the quake, I’m sure I’m not the only one
who jumps at the slightest tremor. Big questions remain about how and when
things will return to normal.

But
one thing is for sure. The response to the catastrophe is a testament to the
resilience of the Japanese people.

Support networks

Everywhere
I go, I see people helping and encouraging each other, even total strangers.
The outpouring of support and sympathy, especially in a metropolis filled with
people who normally keep to themselves, has been astounding.

At
my local supermarkets, prices have been lowered to help customers, who
politely line up and pay without panic or complaint.

Some
staples are in short supply, but even those who miss out on deliveries stand in
front of the empty shelves exchanging tips for making it through trying times.

Every
Tokyoite knows that the inconveniences we face are nothing compared to the
tragedy unfolding up north.

Rebuilding Japan

NHK
recently broadcast interviews with students sheltering from the destruction of
their town. “We want to tell everyone living in shelters like us to stay strong,”
said one. “We’ll rebuild Japan together,” said another. These are words from
junior high schoolers, many of whom have yet to make contact with their
families.

That
everybody is devastated is precisely why it’s so important to help each other
out.

Thinking
about and assisting others helps us ease our own pain. All around, I see a chain
reaction of kindness, of people supporting each other and exchanging
information on the street and online through email, Twitter, and blogs.

In
the wake of 9/11, firefighters and other first responders were honored as heroes
in the United States. Japan’s heroes include people involved in rescue and
crisis response, especially the staff working at Fukushima, the Self-Defense
Forces, the police, and the many overseas advisors and specialists who have
arrived to help.

The
people of Japan can’t do anything but watch and express our gratitude -- thank
you, and we’re all with you.

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